The Tennesse Volunteers’ Five Most Pivotal Games of the 2025 College Football Season
The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be a defining chapter for the Tennessee Volunteers. After a year of highs and lows in 2024, head coach Josh Heupel enters this campaign with more expectations and more pressure. With star quarterback Nico Iamaleava at the helm and a strong recruiting class backing him, the Vols are eyeing a return to national relevance — and maybe even the College Football Playoff.
Here are the five games that could make or break Tennessee’s season in 2025:1. vs. Oklahoma (Sept. 13 – Neyland Stadium)
A massive early-season clash with major implications. Not only is this a matchup of two historic programs, but it’s also a personal battle for Josh Heupel, who was a star quarterback at Oklahoma and later coached there. The Sooners, now SEC rivals, will come into Knoxville likely ranked in the top 10.
This game will be Iamaleava’s first true spotlight test of the year, and a win here would skyrocket Tennessee into the national conversation. It could also serve as a playoff résumé booster if both teams stay hot through the season.2. at Florida (Sept. 27 – The Swamp)
No matter the records, Tennessee-Florida always matters. The Vols haven’t had great success in Gainesville, and the Gators will be looking to play spoiler — again. Florida may not be a playoff contender in 2025, but a hostile crowd and SEC rivalry tension make this a major trap game.
If Tennessee wants to challenge Georgia for SEC East supremacy (or earn a top playoff spot in the new 12-team format), this is a game they cannot afford to lose.3. vs. Alabama (Oct. 18 – Neyland Stadium)
The Third Saturday in October — always one of the most anticipated SEC showdowns. After stunning Alabama in 2022, the Vols have fallen short the past two years. But in 2025, the Volunteers get the Crimson Tide at home, and momentum could finally shift their way again.
This is the ultimate measuring-stick game. Beat Alabama, and Tennessee proves it belongs among college football’s elite. Lose, and questions about their ceiling will linger.4. at Georgia (Nov. 1 – Athens)
Georgia remains the beast of the East — and possibly the entire nation. Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are stacked once again and have owned this rivalry in recent years. Tennessee hasn’t beaten Georgia since 2016, and this trip to Athens may be their toughest challenge of the season.
Still, if Tennessee enters this game with a strong record, it could become a de facto SEC East title game — or even a battle for playoff seeding. Winning at Georgia would be a season-defining moment for Heupel and the program.5. vs. Kentucky (Nov. 22 – Neyland Stadium)
This one might not have the national hype of the other matchups, but don’t underestimate it. Kentucky has been a thorn in the Vols’ side over the last few years, and this late-season clash could determine bowl positioning, playoff consideration, or even SEC standings.
More importantly, it’s the kind of game Tennessee must win to prove consistency. Championship-caliber teams don’t drop games at home to beatable opponents in November — and this is where maturity and discipline will show.Final Thoughts:
Tennessee’s 2025 schedule is packed with opportunities. The Vols don’t have to win every single marquee matchup, but they do need to take at least two or three of these pivotal games to stay in the national playoff race. If Iamaleava plays like the five-star leader he’s projected to be, and if the defense can rise to the challenge, Tennessee may finally be ready to take the next big step.
The path is there — but these five games will determine whether Rocky Top truly rises again.
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